I’m on a bridging visa and I need to travel. What do I do?
A lot of clients ask this question as soon as you tell them they are on a bridging visa. Actually, from the initial consultation, clients always ask about being able to travel. Once the application has been submitted sometimes you are granted a bridging visa to keep you being lawful until your application is decided. This advice is for when you need to travel and you are on a bridging visa.
Bridging visas in general
There are 7 classes and 9 subclasses of bridging visas
- Bridging visa A (subclass 010)
- Bridging visa B (subclass 020)
- Bridging visa C (subclass 030)
- Bridging visa D (subclass 040 and 041)
- Bridging visa E (subclass 050 and 051)
- Bridging visa F (subclass 060)
- Bridging visa R (subclass 070)
There are various ways of applying. The criteria specified must be met in order to be granted a bridging visa. There are also several validity requirements and the visa holder (or potential visa holder) must not be barred in any way of making a visa application.
Bridging visas also contain conditions, many of which are conditions that continue from the last substantive visa held. One condition in particular is that the person must not travel outside of Australia. So what do you do if you need to travel and your are currently on a bridging visa?
Traveling
If you are currently on a Bridging visa A (subclass 010) you are able to make an application for a Bridging visa B and pay the relevant fee. A bridging visa B allows travel to and entry back into Australia until a specified date or event. You must be able to demonstrate a substantial reason for travel and it can only be granted onshore. Once back onshore, it is imperative to double check with DIAC to make sure your Bridging visa A has been reinstated. If you fail to reinstate your bridging visa A, you will become unlawful and it may jeopardise any future visa application.